Creative Biolabs has long-term devoted to the development and application of antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Equipped with world-leading technology platforms and professional scientific staff, now we are able to provide a variety of antibodies for our clients all over the world.
Introduction of Anthrax
Anthrax refers to a highly deadly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax not only seriously affects human health but may also be developed into a new type of biological weapon to pose a threat. According to different routes of infection, anthrax can be divided into cutaneous anthrax, gastrointestinal anthrax, and the most deadly inhalation anthrax. Toxin and capsules are the two main virulence factors responsible for the lethality of anthrax. There are also three toxin components actively dividing bacillus, which include lethal factor (LF), protective antigen (PA), and edema factor (EF). PA can bind to cell receptors and serve as a carrier to transport LF or EF into the cytoplasm. LF is a zinc-dependent protease that cleaves mitogen-activated protein kinase. EF is a calcium calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase. The combination of PA and LF produces a lethal toxin (LT). Anthrax is generally spread by contact with the spores of the bacteria, not from person to person.
Anti-Anthrax Antibodies
Antibiotics and anthrax vaccine are currently the mainstays of treatment for patients exposed to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis spores but both have limitations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies to increase the available treatment options for inhalational anthrax. In recent years, a series of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have been developed against LF, EF, PA, and capsules of Bacillus anthracis.
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Anti-LF Antibody
LF is important for cytotoxicity and disease progression. Several neutralizing mAbs specific to LF have been reported. Experimental data shows that 200 µg of antibody provides 100% protection in mice.
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Anti-EF Antibody
Since EF is thought to have a minor effect on the lethality of anthrax infection, few neutralizing mAbs are available against EF. One of the chimpanzee/human monoclonal antibodies that bind to domain III of EF holds promise for therapeutic.
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Anti-PA Antibody
PA plays a central role in the initiation and progression of anthrax and thus is considered the best therapeutic target. A polyclonal antibody against PA has been recommended as an urgent investigational new drug. In addition, more than ten highly effective anti-PA neutralizing mAbs have been generated through different platforms, and 6 of them have been used in the clinic.
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Anti-Capsule Antibody
The capsule is a thymus-independent, type 2 antigen with poorly immunogenic. A variety of mouse and chimpanzee monoclonal antibodies have been obtained to protect mice through passive immunization. These monoclonal antibodies are particularly useful for treating infections from antibiotic-resistant strains.
Fig.1 Comprehensive protection could be achieved by a combination of anti-PA, anti-LF, anti-EF and anti-PGA mAbs that target major steps of the infection process. (Chen, 2011)
Learn More about Microbiome Hotspots
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- Chen, Z.; et al. Monoclonal antibody therapies against anthrax. Toxins, 2011, 3(8): 1004-1019.